November 18, 2009

Dear Friends, Board Members, Pilots and Volunteers:

I have some very exciting news to share with you about the future of GivingFlite. 

But first I’d like to reflect just a moment on our history.  Since 2004 we have been dedicated to arranging free transportation for people in Alabama who needed to get to and from medical treatment and didn’t have the means. 

We set up our first mission when an ordinary experience by one of our board members took an extraordinary turn. Todd Davis was on business in Mobile and stopped into a convenience store. He saw a jar with a photo of a child and a note asking people to donate to help pay for a trip to Texas for medical treatment that the child needed. Todd realized that GivingFlite was the answer. He hastily wrote “I can help – call me” on the back of his business card and we were off and running.

Over the years we have provided our services with the help of a hardworking board, a tireless mission coordinator, fabulous volunteers, and some of the finest and most generous pilots in the country. And we made a difference in thousands of lives!

I want to recognize some the outstanding individuals who have been the heart of GivingFlite over the years. I’d like to personally thank Russ Buchanan for his enthusiasm and his invaluable guidance. Todd Davis has passionately helped spread our message from the beginning. Our volunteer pilots have been mentored and led by Dave Wood who has always set a powerful example. Jamila Brown has done a terrific job creating and updating our web site. And the ever helpful Terry Scivley has been incredibly efficient in organizing and coordinating our missions.

All of us have stories about how we have helped. This experience has changed our lives. It’s been a wonderful gift to actually be able to take action and lend a hand to people who had no idea that there was an organization like ours, or that other people would be willing to help them just because they could.  It’s truly been an amazing journey.

GivingFlite has always been a lean organization. Most of us have full-time jobs and many other responsibilities. We don’t really have the time or manpower to take it to the next level.  We want what we started to live on and to thrive!  It is for that reason that I am pleased to announce that as of January 1, 2010 GivingFlite will become a part of Angel Flight Soars (formerly Angel Flight of Georgia) as they expand their operations in Alabama. Our pilots will continue flying but under the new name. It’s a win-win for both organizations.  The ultimate result will be even greater service and availability to those who need us.

As a sister organization, Angel Flight Soars has helped us countless times since our inception with advice and resources. We have gained insights from their experienced management and staff. Their mission is almost identical to ours and their philosophy is compatible.  We have linked with them on numerous flights over the years and we know many of their pilots.  

It is with mixed emotions that I send this letter. I will miss working with you all, but I am proud that we are handing over our legacy to an organization that will continue the good work and make us proud.

The missions that we fly are bigger than us.

Sincerely,

Linda Hill
President & Executive Director, GivingFlite